Cigar Filler 2

Continuing along with the cigar theme, since I haven't had much time or money to do anything else, I have a few more cigars to write about. I've been pretty busy/tired this week, so I'm going to pound through a bunch to get them out there. First off, by Puros Indios, is the Reserva Maxima 2003 Presidente.
Puros Indios is a line of cigars produced by the Reyes Family. It was lauched in 1995 and the Reserva Maxima was created to celebrate Rolando Reyes' 70 years of cigar making. It contains a special blend of Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican long-leaf tobaccos. As in all Puros indios cigars, it is capped-off with an Ecuadorian wrapper. This particular line was rolled in 2003 and has box-aged for 5 years.

This is a wonderful mild cigar. Incredibly mellow, but not silent. It's perfect for those situations where you want to have a cigar and do something else like reading or watching the game. It would probably go well with a nice light single-malt like Glenmorangie, and rolling in at $2/stick, it's a steal. This cigar is a must buy and is excellent humidor filler. 4/4

Next up is the Hemingway Short Story by Arturo Fuente.
The Hemingway line was first released in 1983 as an attempt to reintroduce the cuban perfecto shape back into the cigar world. This "old-world" shape had all but died out with it's original rollers, mostly due to the fact that it has to be hand-made. Cuban perfectos rollers can only make 75 cigars in one day. The first cigar in the line was the Signature which is 6"x47. Five years later, the Classic and the Masterpiece were released. At the same time, Carlos Fuente, Sr. worked hard to create something new in cigars. This was the Short Story.

This diminuitive cigar rolls in at 4.5"x46/49. Let's not fool around, it's tiny. That being said, this cigar can kick your ass. As a friend of mine always says, "It's a big little cigar." I felt a little queezy after I finished it, and I had eaten for smoking. The Short Story is that strong. It was a great smoke. Even though it was so small, it lasted over an hour. I highly recommend the Short Story, if you can find it. (If you do, please tell me where.) 4/4

Now we move on to the Dunhill Aged Dominican Diamantes.
Every Aged Dominican is made from a selection of Piloto Cubano and Olor tobaccos grown in the Cibao Valley in the Dominican Republic which are wrapped in a Dominican binder finished off with a Connecticut wrapper. Finally, these cigars are aged for one year in a cedar-lined room.

Now the word on the street is that this is a mellow cigar, and it might be. However, the one that I had was incredibly strong. It's supposed to be a mild, but the tobacco was very strong, imparting that lovely queezy sensation towards the end. The particular cigar that I had was a little dry, so the wrapper cracked a lot. This fact did not prevent me from smoking it down to a nub because it was so delicious. This cigar rolls in at about $5.25/stick and is well worth the price. I highly recommend these to anyone who likes "mild" cigars. 4/4

In case there are those of you starting to think that I only smoke great cigars, I have two that I have hated. The first abyssmal cigar I had this week was the Perdomo Patriarch Robusto Maduro.
The Patriarch was made in honor of Nick Perdomo, Sr. This was traditionally made with Nick Sr.'s favorite blends consisting of long-leaf tobacco from three regions in Nicaragua. Cigars International says:

...the Patriarch showcases traditional Cuban vitolas and imparts an eventful and satisfying experience for the senses. Rich layers of deep, dark flavors are present, including hearty spices, coffee undertones, and a touch of bittersweet chocolate. The finish is long and luxurious, completing a savory cigar from Tabacalera Perdomo that’s sure to delight.

I personally, can't stand hearty spice. It, like my experience with the Perdomo Habano, is unnecessarily harsh. This particular Patriarch kept canoeing like a son of a bitch and it finally snuffed itself. I absolutely hated this cigar and think it's incredibly overpriced at $7.00/stick. If you like your tastebuds being assaulted by spice, then this is a must buy. 1/4

As bad as the Patriarch was, the Cusano Corojo 1997 Torpedo was just as dissappointing.
Seeing as how I don't even want to write about this cigar, I'll let Cigars International do the talking.

Using a vintage Ecuadorian-grown Cuban Corojo leaf that’s been aging since 1997, the new Cusano Corojo ’97 is a powerhouse blend that’s bursting with complex flavors. Using some of the strongest Dominican filler-leaves and binders attainable, an incredibly smooth bouquet of earthy notes complement a healthy portion of toasted spice, all while being backed by intoxicating strength. Enthusiasts beware, this is not a rookie cigar.

Cigar Insider gave this cigar a 91 point rating. This cigar has awesome flavor. I loved the way it tastes. That's all I can say nice about this cigar. The entire box I'm told, behaved just like my experience. Not only did it burn terribly (had to reburn the wrapper 3 times), it snuffed itself 3 times. This cigar was given to my by a friend, much more knowledgeable about cigars than I, and he had the problem with the ENTIRE BOX. I won't even put the price for it so that you don't trip fall and click the link and accidentally buy yourself a box. DO NOT BUY THIS CIGAR! 1/4

Summary:
Puros Indios Reserva Maxima 2003 Presidente 4/4
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story 4/4
Dunhill Aged Dominican Diamantes 4/4
Perdomo Patriarch Robusto Maduro 1/4
Cusano Corojo 1997 Torpedo 1/4